Eagles fall 3-0 to conference’s best team in season finale

LUBBOCK, Texas (Nov. 4, 2013) – Lubbock Christian (Texas) held off an early Oklahoma Christian scoring opportunity and received two goals from Nick Gorrie to beat the Eagles 3-0 on Monday afternoon in OC’s men’s soccer season finale.

Lubbock Christian (11-4-1, 8-1 Heartland Conference) posted the best record in conference play in the Chaparrals’ first season in the NCAA Division II league. OC closed an injury-riddled season at 4-11-1 overall and 2-7 in conference play.

The Eagles had a terrific scoring opportunity in the game’s early stages. Domenico DeGrazia hit the post with a shot in the ninth minute and Ricardo Chinchilla and Troy Tippeconnic followed with shots in quick succession, but Lubbock Christian goalkeeper Erik Mozzo saved them both.

After a scoreless first half, Lubbock Christian scored twice in the opening minutes after halftime. In the 48th minute, Mbongeni Ndlova chipped a pass in to Jorge Elizalde, who beat OC goalkeeper Evan Helker. About five minutes later, LCU’s Billy Forbes through pass found Gorrie, who shot and scored to make it 2-0.

Gorrie added an insurance goal in the 71st minute after stealing the ball from an OC defender.

The Chaparrals outshot OC by a narrow 12-10 margin. Mozzo had three saves while Helker was not credited with a save.